Universal has been offering the finest in amateur and shortwave equipment from central Ohio for over 75 years. Universal was founded in 1942 by F.R. "Gibby" Gibb W8IJ. Universal Service, as it was then called, was located on North Third Street in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Universal Radio carries all major lines of amateur and shortwave radio equipment, antennas and accessories. In recent years other product lines have been added to include:   scanners, CB, solar products and weather instruments. Universal also offers an excellent selection of new and used radio related books

In November 2020 the owners announced their retirement and the company will wind-down sometime in 2023.